8,069 Cancer Patients Receive Free Treatment Under Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana

Published 24 July 2026 · health

8,069 Cancer Patients Receive Free Treatment Under Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 13:09 IST Punjab has spent ₹20.22

8,069 Cancer Patients Receive Free Treatment Under Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 13:09 IST Punjab has spent ₹20.22 crore on the cashless treatment of 8,069 cancer patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana till July 18. Rapid Read Punjab has spent ₹20.22 crore on the cashless treatment of 8,069 cancer patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana till July 18. (AI Image) Punjab has spent ₹20.22 crore on the cashless treatment of 8,069 cancer patients under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana till July 18, 2026, according to data released by the State Health Agency (SHA). The figures show that adults aged 36 to 60 years accounted for the largest share of beneficiaries, with 4,285 patients receiving treatment under the scheme. Another 3,376 patients were above 60 years of age, while 399 beneficiaries belonged to the 17–35 age group and nine patients were below 17 years.

Treatment Numbers Rise Through the Year The data indicates a steady demand for cancer treatment under the scheme throughout the year. A total of 842 patients received treatment in January, followed by 1,080 in February, 1,175 in March, and 1,350 in April. The figure dipped slightly to 1,275 in May, before reaching the highest monthly count of 1,468 patients in June. In the first 18 days of July, 879 patients had already received treatment. Patient Shares Experience The government highlighted the case of Darshan Devi from Samana, who was advised to undergo cancer surgery estimated to cost ₹4–5 lakh. After being approved under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, she underwent the surgery without any out-of-pocket expenses. Growing Cancer Burden The release noted that the increasing demand for cancer care reflects a wider national challenge. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India recorded nearly 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, with the burden expected to rise in the coming years.

Changing lifestyles, an ageing population and improved detection have been cited among the factors contributing to the increase. Scheme Covers Over 2.68 Lakh Beneficiaries Since the launch of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana on January 8, 2026, a total of 2,68,274 beneficiaries have availed treatment under the scheme, accounting for 5,31,386 treatment cases. As of July 20, 2026, the total value of treatment provided under the scheme stood at ₹950.35 crore. Minister Highlights Importance of Early Diagnosis Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann government is working to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent cancer patients from accessing treatment. “Cancer is becoming one of the major public health challenges of our time. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, eligible patients are being provided with access to quality cancer care without worrying about treatment costs," he said.